Northeastern British Columbia - preplanning and reclamation of exploration activities

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Northeastern British Columbia - preplanning and reclamation of exploration activities

Author:

Shields, Roger E; Johnson, David G. S.

Issue Date:

1981

Publicly Available in cIRcle

2009-12-22

Series/Report no.

British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium 1981

Abstract:

The prime areas for coal exploration are usually alpine or subalpine
environments, although some potential mine areas and access are in
boreal, coniferous forests. To minimize environmental damage, preplanning
of access and exploration investigations is a requirement.
Road locations are initially located using air photographs, topographic
maps and geologic maps. Potential problem areas are delineated and
sources for road fill determined. In the field the planned road
location is traversed and on site changes made. During road construction
a concurrent reclamation program is maintained.
Once a preferred adit location is determined, access and exact seam
location must be defined. Rotary drilling and geologic mapping along
access trails aid in the seam definition. Use of existing access
minimizes new environmental damage. Using a small backhoe can aid in
seam exposure while lessening surface disturbance.
Following completion of the exploration program, all disturbed areas are reclaimed and access closed.